636
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 16

Provided that in any case where the Inspector is satisfied that the aforesaid rate is insufficient for the purpose of providing adequate ventilation, either throughout the underground workings generally, or in any specified portions thereof, he may from time to time require such rate to be increased, to such extent as in the circumstances he thinks reasonable.

(2.) In and about every mine and the underground workings thereof provision to the satisfaction of the Inspector shall at all times be made for sanitation, and for the prevention of nuisances, and for this purpose the Inspector may require the holder of the mine to provide latrine-accommodation and the use of disinfectants.

(3.) In any case where the Inspector is of opinion that, by reason of the use of timber or other inflammable material in a mine, there is risk of fire, he may require the holder of the mine to provide such number and description of smoke-protectors as the Inspector thinks necessary, having regard to the nature and extent of the workings and of the risk.

(4.) If inflammable gas has been found in the mine within the preceding twelve months, a station or stations shall be appointed at the entrance to the mine or to different parts of the mine, as the case may require, and no workman shall pass beyond any such station until the mine, or as the case may be, the part beyond such station, has been cleared from gas, and been inspected and ascertained to be safe.

(5.) Such inspection shall be made within two hours before the time fixed for the commencement of work.

(6.) A printed copy of the foregoing general rules shall at all times be kept posted in the office, and on some building or board in a conspicuous place in connection with every mine, and shall be renewed as often as the same is torn or defaced.

(7.) Subsection (46) of section 255 of the Mining Act (relating to offences) shall apply to the foregoing general rules.

Special as to Dredges.

95. The following special rules shall be observed in the case of every dredge used for mining purposes:—

(1.) Every dredge used for mining purposes shall be kept provided with safety appliances as follows:—

(a.) A life-buoy, a light line, and a boat-hook, near the bow of the dredge.

(b.) A life-buoy, a light line, and a boat-hook, near the stern of the dredge.

(c.) A boat containing a light line and a boat-hook.

(d.) A looped wire line securely fastened around outside of pontoons about 6 in. above water-line.

(2.) In every case where the Warden or Inspector notifies the owner or manager of the dredge that the stream in which the dredge is being constructed or worked is deep or swift-flowing, then, in addition to the foregoing appliances, the dredge shall be kept provided with not less than two boats, inclusive of the boat required to be kept under subclause (1) hereof, and each of such boats must be equipped ready for use and continuously furnished with a life-buoy, a light line not less than 50 ft. in length, and a boat-hook not less than 7 ft. long. Life-belts shall also be provided, and each member of the crew of any boat shall wear a life-belt when engaged in shifting the mooring-lines of the dredge.

(3.) All safety appliances shall be kept in conspicuous places within easy reach, and when damaged or lost shall be immediately renewed.

(4.) The well-hole of every dredge shall be fenced or covered over as far as is reasonably practicable, and where such fencing or covering is not practicable a movable gangway of not less than 2 ft. 6 in. wide, and fitted with a substantial handrail at each side, shall be provided and used by persons for crossing the well-hole.

(5.) No person shall step on the buckets or chain when in motion.

(6.) All exposed gearing, belting, or machinery shall be kept fenced to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

(7.) On any dredge which is not entirely covered in, the sides of the uncovered portion of the hull shall be fitted with stanchions not more than 8 ft. apart, and also with two substantial handrails or tightly stretched wires or chains, the lower rail, wire, or chain not being more than 10 in. above the deck; and these may be made movable for the purpose of taking coal and material on board the dredge, but shall be kept in position at all other times.

(8.) Every dredge working close to a bank shall be provided with a gangway not less than 2 ft. 6 in. wide and of sufficient length to reach from the dredge to the bank. Such gangway shall be provided with a substantial handrail at each side and be secured to the deck of the dredge.

(9.) All the aforesaid safety appliances shall be subject to the approval of the Inspector.

(10.) The length of freeboard between the deck of the dredge and the surface of the water shall at no time be allowed to be less than the Inspector directs.

(11.) Every dredge shall be provided with latrine-accommodation to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

(12.) Except in the case of dredges in use at the time of the gazetting of these regulations, a dredge shall not be used for working a claim until it has been inspected by an Inspector who certifies as to the strength and soundness of the pontoons, the efficiency of the safety appliances, and the sufficiency of length of freeboard.

(13.) In any case where the Inspector is of opinion that a dredge is unsafe, and should be suspended or condemned, he shall make report thereon to the Warden,